Preston first selectman injured clearing downed tree

Preston — First Selectman Robert Congdon was hospitalized Thursday night after he was struck by a tree limb he was cutting with a chain saw on River Road.

Congdon, who also serves as the town public works director, was listed in fair condition Friday at Yale-New Haven Hospital. He suffered head and chest injuries in the incident.

Selectman and state Rep. Timothy Bowles, who lives on River Road, said he saw the tree in the road blocking one lane on his way home from the state Capitol at about 8 p.m. Thursday. He called Congdon and suggested sending a town road crew to clear the road. He said Congdon said he would take care of the problem.

Bowles said his neighbor, Will McGee, heard the chainsaw running and then stop. McGee went to the road and found Congdon injured and called 911.

McGee declined to discuss the incident.

Preston Fire Chief Thomas Casey said crews from both Preston City and Poquetanuck volunteer fire departments responded, along with paramedics from American Ambulance. Congdon was transported to The William W. Backus Hospital and then to Yale-New Haven Hospital.